Bridgestone

Background

Bridgestone Corporation is a Japanese multinational tire manufacturer founded in 1931 by Shojiro Ishibashi in Kurume, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. It is the world's largest manufacturer of tires, with its main competitors being Michelin, Goodyear, Continental, and Pirelli.

1st Tag (1977-1983)

Visuals: On a black background, a rotating tire-like shape made out of repeated lines of white "BRIDGESTONE" text zooms into the screen. Below the tire, there is the white Bridgestone emblem logo from the era, consisting of a square containing a rectangular extension at the top with the initials "BS" inside, and the white Katakana text "ブリヂストン" next to it.

Technique: Cel animation.

Audio: The ending of the commercial.

Availability: Seen on early commercials, including the Sunday Check Papa series, and commercials promoting their Potenza line of tires until 1981.

2nd Tag (1983-1991)

Visuals: On a grey/black gradient background, a 3D "B" in black/red colors, with the upper-left part of the "B" consisting of a red diagonal triangle, rotates into the screen as a white streak passes through it. The "B" zooms completely into view, and then rapidly zooms back. The grey/black background contracts to a 3D bevel shrinking over a white background, which morphs into the "BRIDGESTONE" text. The logo then turns 2D, with the "B" in its original colors.

Variant: There exists a warp-speed variant.

Technique: CGI.

Audio: A fast majestic synth theme with the last note held out, followed by an announcer saying "Bridgestone".

Availability: Seen on their Japanese commercials for their lines of Potenza, Euroad and Aleph tires, among others.